The Multi-Layered Embeddedness of Chinese Technology Firms in Kenyan Digital Development

Yabo Wu

Yabo’s project – titled The Multi-Layered Embeddedness of Chinese Technology Firms in Kenyan Digital Development – dialogues with existing extensive research that has gradually affirmed Chinese dominance in African digital transformation, which warrants further concerns of Chinese neocolonialism and hegemony. This study aims to contend this Chinese dominance and explore the grounded practices of Chinese technology firms involving intricate adaptations and building of advantages in the specific context of Kenya. It focuses on two Chinese firms with different scales and involving in activities from backbone infrastructure to community internet connectivity to investigate how they adapt to the specific contexts created by the Kenyan government and urban communities and gradually cultivate their embeddedness. By this elaboration, she intends to shed light on the intricate nuances and diversity on Chinese involvement.